Latest news with #Wunderbar
New Paper
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Wunderbar gives Size push-up
HONG KONG - Famed as the only horse to have beaten champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising, Wunderbar catapulted John Size closer to a record-extending 13th Hong Kong trainers' championship with a devastating return to form at Sha Tin on June 14. Twice victorious over Ka Ying Rising in the pair's three-year-old season, Wunderbar had bone fragments removed from a knee in January, 2024 - a day after his second triumph over the horse now acclaimed as the world's highest-rated sprinter - and has endured a rollercoaster since. As Ka Ying Rising advanced to a perfect eight-win 2024-25 season while claiming four Group 1s, Wunderbar has taken a less celebrated path. He notched a pair of early season wins before finishing out of the placings at his past three runs. Ridden conservatively by Hugh Bowman in the HK$2.84 million (S$463,000) Class 2 HKU Business School And Faculty Of Engineering Handicap (1,200m), the chestnut showed his quality after settling midfield in the 11-horse field behind Bottomuptogether. He then swept through a gap in the straight to down stablemate Raging Blizzard and Harmony N Blessed in 1min 8.12sec. The gelding's seventh victory in 12 starts propelled Size to 63 wins for the season, nine clear of David Hayes (54) with only eight meetings left, and presented more evidence of the master horseman's elite craftmanship. "He's been over-racing a little bit and I gave him a break and that didn't work, so I had to do something else. Then he had a couple of trials and was fine," said Size. "He didn't race for four months last time fresh and this time he was perfect - right tempo and everything went well for him." Bowman was also impressed with Wunderbar's performance, saying: "He was great. He had a bit in his favour. He had a track bias - the fence was like gold - he had barrier one, he's obviously got abundant natural pace and he got the conditions to suit today. "He was able to settle mid-race and provide the finish which he'd been lacking. He won with authority. Full credit to him." Ellis Wong's allowance will be reduced from 7lb (3.2kg) to 5lb after the apprentice's double. Wong, 24, scored with Pierre Ng's first starter Aerovolanic in the Class 4 HKU Heritage Handicap (1,200m) before a perfect ride on the Caspar Fownes-trained Joy Of Sprint in the Class 3 HKU Foundation Handicap (1,800m). With 10 wins from the start of May, Wong took his Hong Kong career total past 45 victories, triggering a drop in his allowance. "It's good for Ellis. He becomes a five-pound claimer next week, we wish him all the best," said Fownes. "He's riding really well. Hopefully my trainer friends will give him some more support." The battle for the Tony Cruz Award for leading homegrown jockey narrowed after Matthew Chadwick posted his 32nd win of the season. He trails Matthew Poon (36 wins), after scoring aboard Chris So's Hinokami Kagura in the Class 4 HKU Faculties Of Dentistry And Social Sciences Handicap (1,200m, dirt). The Jamie Richards-trained The All Out remains unbeaten after a second Griffin 1,000m win in the opener. Ridden by Zac Purton, the Brutal two-year-old clocked a sizzling 55.84sec with a strong trailing breeze after starting from barrier 2. "He was good because it's very hard to win from that side of the track," said Purton. "He did a really good job to be working the whole way to some extent and then hold them off." Brutal completed a double when the David Eustace-trained Truly Fluke charged late to clinch the second section of the Class 4 University Hall Handicap (1,400m) under Andrea Atzeni. "He's a beautiful horse and we took a punt today to go forward from a wide gate (barrier 13)," said Eustace. "I just felt if we went back, he'd probably run well without being a chance of winning. "He got a beautiful ride and he's a nice horse for next season. I'd like to think he'll work his way through the grades a little bit. "Obviously, it's hard to know how far they get, but he'll stay a mile no problem and probably doesn't need to go further than that at this stage." Tearaway leader Purton bookended the meeting with an easy win on Manfred Man's Patch Of Stars in the Class 4 Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap (1,400m). Atzeni also won two races with a brilliant ride on Mojave Desert, who claimed a PP (Private Purchase) Bonus of HK$1.5 million by winning the Class 3 HKU Jockey Club Student Villages Handicap (1,200m, dirt) for Mark Newnham. Also scoring a double was trainer Tony Cruz with Smart Beauty and Kingly Demeanor. Smart Beauty notched his fifth win by clinching the Class 5 race (1,600m) under Angus Chung, before Kingly Demeanor led all the way under Keith Yeung to win the Class 4 (1,800m). Reigning champion trainer Francis Lui was not left out of the scoresheet, with Harold Win taking the Class 4 (1,400m) under Jerry Chau. HKJC
South China Morning Post
14-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Wunderbar bounces back to top form with slashing Class Two win at Sha Tin
Hugh Bowman guides Wunderbar to his first victory since October. Photos: Kenneth Chan Known as the only horse to have beaten superstar Ka Ying Rising, talented sprinter Wunderbar bounced back from a string of out-of-character defeats with a stylish win at Sha Tin on Saturday night. Beaten on his previous four starts after starting his career in a blaze of glory, the John Size-trained gelding saluted for punters who crunched him late from $7 to $3.5 favouritism in the Class Two HKU Business School And Faculty Of Engineering Handicap (1,200m). Hugh Bowman settled Wunderbar three-back on the fence from gate one and he relished a frenetic speed set by $4.7 chance Bottomuptogether, who scorched forward early from gate 10 to win a fierce battle for the lead. While Wunderbar was briefly held up early in the straight, the Rich Enuff gelding was hooked off the fence by Bowman and powered through a gap between rivals to launch his run. He soared past Bottomuptogether approaching the 100m and drew clear, beating Raging Blizzard by three-quarters of a length in a quinella result for championship leader Size. Harmony N Blessed ran third. Back in business! 😤 John Size's Wunderbar, the only horse to defeat Ka Ying Rising (not once but twice), takes the Class 2 feature at Sha Tin with @HugeBowman ahead of stablemate Raging Blizzard... #SummerSeries | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) June 14, 2025 Wunderbar narrowly beat Ka Ying Rising in back-to-back starts at the end of last season and extended his winning streak with a pair of victories to start his latest campaign. However, his hot form came to a halt and forced Size to give him a mid-season break, with the four-year-old improving off his last-start eighth to Lady's Choice. 'He's been overracing a little bit and I gave him a break and that didn't work, so I had to do something else,' said Size. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. 'Then he had a couple of trials and was fine. He didn't race for four months last time fresh and this time he was perfect - right tempo and everything went well for him. 'He had a little bit of an interruption in his good form, so at this moment I'm not really reaching for anything else.' Jockey Hugh Bowman, trainer John Size (second from right) and owner Andrew Li Kwok-nang after Wunderbar's win. Bowman was ecstatic to deliver the goods in his first race ride on Wunderbar. 'He was great. He had a bit in his favour. He had a track bias – the fence was like gold – he had barrier one, he's obviously got abundant natural pace and he got the conditions to suit today,' Bowman said. 'He was able to settle mid-race and he was able to provide the finish which he'd been lacking. It's Class Two and they don't give them away and he won with authority. Full credit to him.' Wunderbar's seventh career success helped Size extend his championship lead over David Hayes to nine wins with eight meetings left this term. Zac Purton and The All Out return to the winners' enclosure. Elsewhere at the twilight meeting, Zac Purton booted home a double on a pair of promising young gallopers – two-year-old The All Out, who maintained his unbeaten record at start two for Jamie Richards, and three-year-old Patch Of Stars, who notched a hat-trick with an explosive triumph for trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung. Andrea Atzeni joined Purton with a brace after winning on the David Eustace-trained Truly Fluke and Mark Newnham's Mojave Desert. Tony Cruz took home training honours with a double after Angus Chung Yik-lai guided Smart Beauty to victory and Kingly Demeanor scored under Keith Yeung Ming-lun.
The National
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Carter-Vickers reveals story behind '119' darts banner
After Celtic won the Premier Sports Cup in December by beating Rangers on penalties, some members of the squad travelled down south to take in the World Championships at the Alexandra Palace. The likes of Welsh, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor, Arne Engels and Carter-Vickers were all pictured in attendance. Read more: Indeed, a photo of the latter holding a banner that read '119' went viral on social media at the time. 119 was, of course, a nod to Celtic securing 119 trophies by beating Rangers and moving one ahead of their fierce city rivals in the silverware count. "I didn't actually write it, it was written by Stephen Welsh, I was thrown under the bus," said Carter-Vickers. "I was the stupid one to pick it up and hold it up. "I think this year I'd better [watch] how much I drink, make sure there's no more pictures or videos. "To be honest, I think when you do win something, you have to enjoy it with the team and the people that you've done it with, because that's one of the reasons we do it, so you have moments like that that you can create memories that will last with you." When Celtic won the league title last season, a video of Carter-Vickers in Glasgow's Wunderbar gained traction online. He exclaimed, 'Unlucky Rangers, three-in-a-row!', recreating Aiden McGeady's famous clip from 2008. The American will be fully focused on trying to win a treble today as Celtic face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Continental Circus Berlin Presents NEW ‘Wunderbar' Tour
In an age where so much entertainment is digital, pre-recorded, or enhanced by special effects, the raw, real-time spectacle of Wunderbar offers a breath of fresh air. Every feat performed live under the Big Top will have audiences questioning their own eyes. (Image: Continental Circus Berlin) Heading to Cardiff City FC May 16th – June 1st, highlights include: A sensational high-wire act from Colombia, making its debut in the UK. The jaw-dropping Globe of Death, as motorbike riders loop vertically and horizontally within a giant mesh sphere. From Cuba, Mayrelis presents her world-renowned Hair Hanging act, floating high above the ring suspended only by her hair. Making a special UK appearance on the Aerial Chandelier, the acclaimed British performer Amber joins the cast for the very first time — performing a breath-taking aerial routine at times suspended entirely by her teeth. The incredible Wheel of Death, hula hoop artistry, juggling, and circuses troupe of dancers — all bringing never-before-seen twists to the UK stage. From Tanzania, the awe-inspiring Continental Warriors bring a burst of African energy to the ring with their high-octane acrobatic displays – a thrilling fusion of strength, rhythm, and spectacle guaranteed to have audiences on their feet. Legendary circus character Papeluxo brings comedy and charm throughout the show. And standing at just four feet tall, the world's smallest stuntman, George the Dragon (Jorge Cabrera Matachana), amazes with daring tricks and fearless showmanship. (Image: Continental Circus Berlin) This truly is a show with something for everyone — whether you're a petrolhead, thrill-seeker, theatre-goer, or simply looking to experience one of the most exciting live events of the year. The show runs for approximately two hours and takes place in a climate-controlled, theatre-style Big Top with comfortable seating. This circus is the finest show to come to town under the Continental Circus Berlin banner, and this famous name has always been your guarantee of a great show, a rare treat, great fun, and something for all ages. Continental Circus Berlin will be in the UK for a limited run — so make certain this sure-fire hit is a definite for your diary. (Image: Continental Circus Berlin) Showtimes: Fri May 16th… 5pm & 7.45pm Sat May 17th… 2pm, 5pm & 7.45pm Sun May 18th… 2pm & 5pm Mon May 19th… NO SHOWS Tue May 20th… NO SHOWS Wed May 21st,… 7pm ONLY Thur May 22nd… 5pm & 7.45pm Fri May 23rd… 5pm & 7.45pm Sat May 24th… 2pm, 5pm & 7.45pm Sun May 25th… 2pm & 5pm Mon May 26th… 2pm & 5pm Tue May 27th… 3pm & 7.30pm Wed May 28th… 3pm & 7.30pm Thur May 29th… 3pm & 7.30pm Fri May 30th… 3pm & 7.30pm Sat May 31st… 2pm, 5pm & 7.45pm Sun June 1st… 11am & 2pm (Image: Continental Circus Berlin) Cardiff City FC, Leckwith Road CF11 8AZ For more information and to book tickets visit - Don't miss out! Tickets selling fast!
South China Morning Post
09-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Brenton Avdulla aims to help John Size reach major milestone on talented sprinter Wunderbar
Brenton Avdulla is excited to team up with Wunderbar for the first time in a race as the Australian bids to play a crucial role in helping John Size reach a major milestone at Sha Tin on Saturday. Eighteen months after guiding Wunderbar to victory in a Conghua trial, Avdulla hops aboard the only horse to have beaten superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising in Saturday's Class Two Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap (1,200m). A winner at six of 10 starts, including back-to-back victories over Ka Ying Rising last term, Wunderbar is one of Avdulla's four rides for Size, who has trained 1,599 winners in Hong Kong. After Wunderbar racked up four consecutive wins last year, three surprise defeats prompted Size to give him a breather. The Rich Enuff gelding resumes in an exciting finale to Saturday's card which also features in-form sprinters Fast Network, Bottomuptogether and Invincible Shield. Six wins from seven starts! 🚀 The favourite Wunderbar overhauls Bottomuptogether for a @zpurton three-timer at Sha Tin... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) October 13, 2024 'Very early on in his career I trialled him at Conghua. It'll be good to be on him for the first time on race day and he's drawn well [in barrier three],' Avdulla said. 'He's probably found one of the hottest Class Twos of the season but I'm looking forward to riding him. 'He had those couple of runs where little things were against him and he probably didn't perform to his best and John started again with him. He seems like he's trialled OK, so you've got to respect the master taking him back to the races. 'He's obviously probably going to improve on whatever he does, but I'd expect him to run well if he's anywhere near his best. He'll give himself every chance from the draw.' Ahead of his first start since January, Wunderbar has notched three wins and a third from his four recent trials at Conghua. Avdulla is also optimistic about his chances on Size's progressive three-year-old Juneau Pride in the Class Three Lung Mun Road Handicap (1,400m) on Saturday. A pint-sized galloper weighing in at under 1,000lbs, Juneau Pride has racked up three victories and five placings from eight starts in an impressive debut campaign, with Avdulla on board for all but one race. His bid for a hat-trick fell narrowly short last start when he ran second to South Star under top weight of 135lbs. 'He's racing really well. He's probably one of my favourite horses to ride in Hong Kong,' Avdulla said. 'He's been so consistent. I don't think I've finished further back than third on him and he's never been beaten far. He bounces, you can put him anywhere and he tries hard. 'He's probably at that mark now where it's going to pull him up a little bit, but there looks to be three main chances and he's one of them with the other two who have drawn next to each other [Light Years Charm and Another World]. He'll run well again.' Juneau Pride again carries top weight of 135lbs but comes into gate two after almost overcoming barrier 10 last start. Fourth in the jockeys' championship with 38 wins this season, Avdulla also rides last-start dirt winner Meepmeep and Smashing Express for Size on Saturday. Lahore, Never Too Soon, Pejibaye and Fighting Machine are the 34-year-old's other rides. Size will also be represented by Arden, Bundle Of Charm and Lifeline Express as he bids to join John Moore in training 1,600 winners in the city.
